When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the gold standard since they’re capable of restoring a lost tooth in its entirety, from root to crown. However, not just anyone with missing teeth is immediately able to get them; your dentist will want to check a few things and ensure they’re being placed in a suitable environment. Continue reading to learn about three of the main things that could prevent you from being eligible for this life-changing solution.
1. Gum Disease
There’s a chance that your tooth loss might’ve been the result of gum disease; it’s also possible it wasn’t. Either way, it’s something you’ll need to have cleared up if you want to get dental implants. The implant posts don’t just need healthy jaw tissue; they also need the surrounding gum tissue to be in good shape. These infections can also spread to other parts of your body, meaning it’s always in your best interest to get them under control. Your dental team can help with this so that dental implants become a possibility.
2. Bone Health
When you’re missing teeth, you aren’t just suffering from an aesthetic issue – your ability to eat and speak is also compromised! But beyond that, your jawbone health is also in danger. When teeth fall out, those areas of the jaw begin to miss out on the stimulation that was once provided by their roots. Without this stimulation, the jaw cannot grow and remain full, and the result is bone loss that might eventually impact facial shape. Dental implants need a healthy amount of jawbone tissue present to fuse and provide a stable foundation for a dental restoration. Luckily, patients with a lack of jaw volume can often undergo a bone graft to address the issue in advance of implant placement.
3. Age
It’s true that dental implants are a viable solution for older patients – in fact, there is no upper age limit for dental implants, assuming you are in decent oral health, gum disease-free, and have an adequate amount of bone density remaining. However, it is possible to be too young to receive dental implants; for younger patients with missing teeth, it’s recommended that implants shouldn’t be considered until their jaws have stopped growing, normally around the age of 18 or so.
It’s also possible for other conditions, such as cancer, blood clotting disorders, or immune system issues, to prevent you from being an eligible dental implant candidate. During your consultation, your dental team will carefully evaluate every detail concerning your smile and health before moving forward!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Ira Newman, the talented team at Gramercy Dental Studio has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in New York and the surrounding cities for several years, offering a wide range of services, including restorative options like dental implants, placed in-house by Dr. Newman himself. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (646) 969-9086.
